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First Take

ESPN’s First Take Kicks off 2018 by Equaling Highest-Rated Show Ever

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, ESPN’s First Take equaled its highest-rated show ever with a 0.6 household rating, tied for first with January 10, January 16 and September 4 of 2017. On the same Tuesday a year ago, First Take moved to ESPN from ESPN2 and rated a strong 0.5. The day also ranks third in audience with an average of 823,000 viewers (P2+), behind December 30, 2013 (880,000), and January 16, 2017 (851,000).

The January 2 show included debates on the Rose Bowl’s double OT and Baker Mayfield, the blowout Sugar Bowl game, news of Jon Gruden going to coach the Raiders, Jimmy Garoppolo playing for the 49ers and news of Isaiah Thomas sitting out of the Celtics game. Guests included Tim Tebow, Louis Riddick and Lane Kiffin.

This record-tying rating comes after First Take capped off 2017 with its most-viewed year ever (449,000 viewers, P2+), up 25% from 2016. In addition, for the fourth quarter of 2017, the show ranked #1 on cable for the 10 a.m. to noon ET slot for key demos, men 18-34 and men 18-49.

First Take – ESPN’s weekday morning studio debate show featuring commentators Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman with host Molly Qerim – airs weekday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon focusing on the most compelling and entertaining topics of the day from the world of sports.